“BLACK DRONGOS” OF THE NO 5 FIGHTER SQUADRON CELEBRATES 32ND ANNIVERSARY
3:41pm on Wednesday 1st February 2023
The No. 5 Fighter Squadron, known as the "Black Drongos" celebrated its 32nd Anniversary today (01 February 2023). The day's proceedings began with a working parade, which was reviewed by the Commanding Officer of the Squadron, Wing Commander SMMMM Senanayake. The Commanding Officer addressed the squadron members, recalling the illustrious squadron's services to the nation, as well as the notable past squadron members who shoulder the 32-year journey and emphasizing the importance of a fighter squadron to the nation now and in the future.
No. 5 Fighter Squadron was born with the arrival of four F-7 BS fighters, one FT-7 B trainer, and two FT-5 trainers on 01 February 1991. Squadron Leader HD Abeywickrema was appointed as its first Commanding Officer. The present Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana was also a found member of the No. 5 Fighter Squadron. Then Squadron Leader P Gunasinghe, Flight Lieutenant SK Pathirana, Flight Lieutenant IJI Wijetilleke and Flight Lieutenant S Hendawitharane were the initial pilots in SLAF history to break the speed of sound and be considered the pioneers of the supersonic fighter age.
Six Russian MiG-27 and one MiG-23UB trainer were inducted into the No. 5 Fighter Squadron in 2000 to improve air interdiction and specialized low-level strike capability.
The year 2007 was a remarkable year to the SLAF and to No 5 Fighter Squadron in terms of fleet enhancements. The modern F-7 GS which is the advanced version of F-7 BS in relation to avionics including an AI Radar, sophisticated weapons delivery system with Air to Air missile strike capability and user-friendly glass cockpit, was inducted. Much needed and well maintained SLAF air superiority over the nation was threatened with the emergence of the LTTE Air Wing followed by the first air space intrusion on 26 March 2007. The newly introduced F-7 ‘Air Guard’ fighters were called upon with expectations to live up to its literal reputation, being the first supersonic interceptor with air to air strike capability.
Ten Commanding Officers have figure in the history throughout the illustrious annals of the squadron. Embracing its responsibility as the cradle of fighter pilots, the squadron has formed more than 25 pilots who served as the front-line fighters in the prolonged Eelam Wars.
The No. 5 Squadron has contributed its effort promptly and effectively whenever it was called upon with distinction and honour performing a multitude of Counter Air and Counter Surface Force Operations conducting an excess of 600 flying sorties during the humanitarian operations. The results of these efforts were clearly manifested in the nation’s ultimate victory over terrorism.
The No. 5 fighter Squadron continues to render its service to the nation as the leading air defence platform guarding the skies of our mother land and will continue to prosper in future with the latest updates and highly trained crew, keeping the Air Force ensign flying high.
No. 5 Fighter Squadron was born with the arrival of four F-7 BS fighters, one FT-7 B trainer, and two FT-5 trainers on 01 February 1991. Squadron Leader HD Abeywickrema was appointed as its first Commanding Officer. The present Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana was also a found member of the No. 5 Fighter Squadron. Then Squadron Leader P Gunasinghe, Flight Lieutenant SK Pathirana, Flight Lieutenant IJI Wijetilleke and Flight Lieutenant S Hendawitharane were the initial pilots in SLAF history to break the speed of sound and be considered the pioneers of the supersonic fighter age.
Six Russian MiG-27 and one MiG-23UB trainer were inducted into the No. 5 Fighter Squadron in 2000 to improve air interdiction and specialized low-level strike capability.
The year 2007 was a remarkable year to the SLAF and to No 5 Fighter Squadron in terms of fleet enhancements. The modern F-7 GS which is the advanced version of F-7 BS in relation to avionics including an AI Radar, sophisticated weapons delivery system with Air to Air missile strike capability and user-friendly glass cockpit, was inducted. Much needed and well maintained SLAF air superiority over the nation was threatened with the emergence of the LTTE Air Wing followed by the first air space intrusion on 26 March 2007. The newly introduced F-7 ‘Air Guard’ fighters were called upon with expectations to live up to its literal reputation, being the first supersonic interceptor with air to air strike capability.
Ten Commanding Officers have figure in the history throughout the illustrious annals of the squadron. Embracing its responsibility as the cradle of fighter pilots, the squadron has formed more than 25 pilots who served as the front-line fighters in the prolonged Eelam Wars.
The No. 5 Squadron has contributed its effort promptly and effectively whenever it was called upon with distinction and honour performing a multitude of Counter Air and Counter Surface Force Operations conducting an excess of 600 flying sorties during the humanitarian operations. The results of these efforts were clearly manifested in the nation’s ultimate victory over terrorism.
The No. 5 fighter Squadron continues to render its service to the nation as the leading air defence platform guarding the skies of our mother land and will continue to prosper in future with the latest updates and highly trained crew, keeping the Air Force ensign flying high.
